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[copiekat]

One of my highlights in 2015, was traveling to Vietnam with my parents (their first time coming back since fleeing the country 30 years ago and my first time ever visiting). It was a very humbling experience. I wasn't used to seeing widespread poverty everywhere. It was a major culture shock for me. But I should have expected it since Vietnam is a third world country. It makes you realize how much we do have and how much stuff people take for granted. It was a special experience for me getting to see the house my mom grew up in until she fled at 15. It was bittersweet hearing my mom talk about how she used to climb on top of the stairs and look down at the living room, playing in the rooms, ditching school on vaccination day (she didn't want the fob shot scar), visiting my grandparents' old friends, meeting relatives for the first time, and just seeing Vietnam through my parents' eyes. I am really happy that my grandpa made my mom go, I can't imagine the life she would have if she stayed. I surprised my parents by hiking up many mountains, scuba diving, parasailing and not giving up. Even though I was out of breath every few minutes, I would rest and continue. There were times where they would tell me to stop and go down, but I insisted on continuing since I was so close to being done. I'm glad I got to see Ha Long Bay. It was truly spectacular. Everyone should see it at least once in their lives. Ha long bay is known for its emerald water and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Cheers to traveling in 2016! #unesco #unescoworldheritagesite #worldheritage #7naturalwondersoftheworld #bestof2015 #wanderlust #travelbug (at Hạ Long Bay)

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Inside Sung Sot Cave. One of seven natural wonders of the world. #worldheritagesite #seetheworld #UNESCO (at bo hon island)

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Panoramic view from Christ the King, of Vung Tau on Mount Nho. Best view ever of Vung Tau. #chuakitovua #soworththethousandsteps #christtheking #vietnam (at Jesus Christ statue)

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163 stunningly beautiful tiled steps. #mosaicstairs #16thavesteps #SF

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Panorama of Griffith Observatory. #artdecoarchitecture #timetogetoutoftheheat

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1000 Steps Beach, crystal-clear blue water. Perfect for staying cool in this hot weather. The steps were a torture on the way back, my lungs were burning! #lagunabeach

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Snow monster, getting ice-cream with my sis! #macaronicecreamsandwich

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It's always more fun drinking pretty espresso art, while reading a good book in SF. #macchiato #reveillecoffee

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Good morning SF! Morning hike/walk at Lands End. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge in the back. #latergram #SF #startingthedayoffright

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💃Yesterday night I watched a flamenco show at the famous #corraldelamoreria. It is considered the "Cathedral of Flamenco." #tablaoflamenco #1000placestoseebeforeyoudie #wanderlust #madrid

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Breakfast in #madrid #cafedelaluz

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Marseille's Cathedral (La Major) is one of the most important national monuments in France. A huge appeal of the church is the breathtaking blend of Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque architecture. #marseille #provence #cotedazur #frenchriveria

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Il fait beau aujourd'hui, allons à la plage (it's nice outside, let's go to the beach)! Pebbled beach in Nice. #frenchriveria #finallygettingsomesunafteralltheraininhollandbrusselsandparis #eurotrip #promenadedesanglais

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Postcard perfect! The gardens of the Palace of Versailles are breathtakingly beautiful. #chateauversailles #france #enrichingmylifewithtravel #flowerheaven #wanderlust #palaceofversailles

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I'm obsessed with old European doors. #thedesignerinmejustdie ombredoors #brussels #eurotrip #kathysees

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In love with the detailing on all of the buildings in the city square, especially Brussels' town hall. #littlepersonbigbuilding #popofpink lagrandplace #grotemarkt #belgium #wanderlust #livetotravel

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Goedemorgen! Typical Dutch breakfast at my aunt and uncle's. #netherlands